M86.021

Billable

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right humerus

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A serious bone infection of the right upper arm bone (humerus) caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

Coding Tips

•The humerus is the bone of the upper arm; ensure this is the documented infection site
•Differentiate from shoulder infections (M86.011) which involve different anatomical structures

Clinical Significance

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the right humerus represents serious bloodstream-spread infection to the major upper arm bone, requiring immediate intensive antibiotic therapy and possible surgical intervention. This location poses significant risk for functional impairment, pathological fracture, and chronic complications affecting arm function.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of acute osteomyelitis specifically affecting right humerus
✓Evidence of hematogenous (bloodstream) origin of infection
✓Clinical findings of right upper arm pain, swelling, dysfunction
✓Imaging studies demonstrating right humeral bone infection
✓Blood cultures and bone biopsy/cultures when available
✓Treatment with IV antibiotics and surgical debridement if needed
✓Assessment for pathological fracture risk

Commonly Confused Codes

M86022 — Left humerus involvement M86121 — Other acute osteomyelitis, right humerus (not hematogenous)S42.301A — Fracture of shaft of right humerus (traumatic)M00.821 — Other bacterial arthritis, right elbow (joint infection)C41.12 — Malignant neoplasm of shaft of right humerus

Code Hierarchy

└M86Osteomyelitis └M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis └M86.02Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, humerus └M86.021Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right humerus

└M86.021Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right humerus